Button or clasp



(No Model.)

J. C. MGRAE, BUTTON 0R GLASP.

No. 572,906.v

Patented Deo. 29, 1896'.

John/v GJVEQRa/Q 1m: Nomus mns ca, momum.. wnsnmomn nA C 4 is a transverse sectional view.

UNITED STATES ATENT Ormea. A

JOHN OIIISM MCRAE, OF LAKE PROVIDENCE, LOUISIANA.

BUTTON OR CLASP.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent N o. 573,906, dated December 29, 1896.

Application filed August 14, 1896.

To (Ml U17/,011?, z'f; may concern,.-

Be it known that I, JOHN OHISM M GRAB, a citizen of the United States, residing at Lake Providence, in the parish of East Carroll and State of Louisiana, have invented a new and useful Button or Clasp, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to buttons, and more especially to that class commonly known as bachelors buttons.

The obj ect of the invention is to provide an improved button which is adapted to be instantly attached to and detached from a garment without the use of thread, and also to provide a device of the character mentioned which shall have simple but effective means for securely holding the same in position for use.

In the accompanying drawings, Figure 1 is a perspective view showing the button in position for use on a waistband. Fig. 2 is a side elevation thereof. Fig. 3 is an end view. Fig. Fig. 5 is a detail perspective view of one of the jaws.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts throughout the figures.

Referring to the drawings, 1 2 designate a pair of jaws respectively provided with handle-bars 3 4, the said jaws having their inner faces serrated.

As illustrated, the device is adapted for use with suspenders, and for engagement with the suspender-buttonhole the jaw 1is provided with a button 5. Each of the jaws is provided at its end adjacent the handle-bar with a hinge-plate 6, the ends 7 of which are bent at substantially right angles to the body of the plate, and having openings 8 pierced therethrough. These hinge-plates are secured to the outer faces of the jaws by rivets or/similar fastenings 9 and are pivotally secured together by means of a transverse pin 10, passing through the openings S, the ends of one hinge-plate fitting between the ends of the other.

The handle-bars 3 4,'at the point where they are secured to their respective jaws, are diag# onally opposite, and by reason of this diagonal arrangement may freely pass each other. To permit the proper Working of the jaws, the said handle-bars are inclined slightly at an angle to the former and cross each other, so

Serial No. 602,799. (No model.)

that when pressure is applied their outer ends are forced together and thereby close the jaws. The handle-bar 3 is formed at its free end with a substantially T-shaped head 11, one end of said T-shaped head extending to a point diametrically opposite the handle-bar 4 and having` secured at approximately right angles thereto, by means of a rivet or similar fastening 12, a latch 13. This latch 13 is formed of spring metal and is provided with a substantially T-shaped end 14, the latter being slightly beveled on its inner face for a purpose to be hereinafter described.

The handle-bar4, it will be noted, is slightly longer than the handle-bar 3 and is provided in its end with a U -shaped notch 15, said.

handle-bar having one face slightly beveled, while in its opposite face is formed a pair of notches 16.

To apply the button, it is simply necessary to open the jaws 1 and 2 and insert the garment between them. Pressure is then applied to the handle-bars, thereb'y forcing them together and closing the jaws. The latch 13, by reason of its beveled under side contacting with the beveled face of the handle-bar 4,1idcs over the end of the latter, and the T-shaped end 14, when it has arrived opposite the U-shaped notch 15, drops into the latter, the notch 15 being of greater width i ing the jaws from engagement with the cloth.

The serrations on the inner faces of the jaws 1 and Zare blunt to prevent tearing of the garment,.which is obviously a decided advantage.

While the herein-described device is especially adapted for use as a button, still I wish it to be understood that I do not limit myself to such application, it being apparent that the same may be used as a clasp and for a variety of analogous purposes.

I claim as my invention- Y 1. In a device of the character described, thc combination with a pair of jaws, one of which carries a button, of a hinge-plate secured to each of said jaws, a pivotal pin connecting the hinge-plates, and a spring-latch IOO for holding the jaws in a locked position, substantially as set forth.

2. In a device of the class described, the combination with a pair of pivoted jaws, of diagonally opposite handle-bars secured to the jaws, and a spring T-shaped latch for holding` the handle-bars in a locked position; substantially as set forth.

3. In a device of the character described, the combination with a pair of pivoted jaws, the inner faces of which are serrated, of diagonally opposite handle-bars secured to the jaws, one of said jaws having a T-shaped head, and a spring-latch carried thereby, substantially as described.

4l. Ina device of the class described, the

combination with a pair of pivoted jaws, oiA

handle-bars secured to said jaws, one of said handle-bars being provided with a T-shaped head and carrying a spring-latch, and the other having a U-shaped notch adapted to be engaged by the spring-latch, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto aflxed my signature in the presence of two Witnesses.

JOHN CHISM MCRAE.

Vitnesses:

D. A. RUSSELL, W. G. D. Tonen. 

